Can someone list out the symptoms of having ADD? I might know a person who has it and I could get him some help.

Can someone list out the symptoms of having ADD? I might know a person who has it and I could get him some help.

Its not just as easy as listing symptoms!! Every normal person has some of the symptoms. And there are hundreds of physical and psychological issues that cause ADD symptoms.

A person must have had the symptoms since childhood.

You can look at a list of the symptoms "DSM-IV ADHD"

If you think you know someone who might have ADD then it would probably be better to just give them the web addy to this site so they can talk to us themselves.

Why do you think they have it? How long have you known the person?

Its not just as easy as listing symptoms!! Every normal person has some of the symptoms. And there are hundreds of physical and psychological issues that cause ADD symptoms.

A person must have had the symptoms since childhood.

You can look at a list of the symptoms "DSM-IV ADHD"

If you think you know someone who might have ADD then it would probably be better to just give them the web addy to this site so they can talk to us themselves.

Why do you think they have it? How long have you known the person?

I've known the person for almost 10 years. And within the past 2 years he's been forgetting things a lot. He would sometimes forget what he ate yesterday for dinner, what he did yesterday, what he said before, etc. I sometimes help him think but it takes him a while to remember those things. Also, he plays piano very good before. And now he would play a line and forget the next line. Even if he knows the song really well, sometimes in the middle of the playing the song, he would totally forget what notes he's supposed to play next. I'm worried because he had very good memory before and it seems to be deteriorating within these 2 years, especially within the last 8 months.

So can a person develop ADD like that? Or does the person need to have it ever since childhood like you mentioned?

Well he DOES NOT have ADD. A person cannot develope ADD. What you describe though, is definantly cause for concern. Has your friend talked to a doctor about whats been going on recently? It could be serious. If he hasnt already he should talk to a doctor (just regular doctor) as well as a neurologist.

Well he DOES NOT have ADD. A person cannot develope ADD. What you describe though, is definantly cause for concern. Has your friend talked to a doctor about whats been going on recently? It could be serious. If he hasnt already he should talk to a doctor (just regular doctor) as well as a neurologist.


What about if you have trouble concentraing or if you can't focus? Is that a symptom of ADD?

What about if you have trouble concentraing or if you can't focus? Is that a symptom of ADD?

Yes, but you must have had some of the symptoms of ADD since childhood no matter what. It is not a disorder that is developed. People are born with it. However, in some cases its not diagnosed until adulthood. Have you had trouble concentrating since childhood? What are your other symptoms? There are many physical and psychological issues that cause symptoms that look like ADD. People tend not to realize this so they dont get checked for other issues, they get treated for "ADD" but this treatment is just a cover up while the real problem goes unsolved.

Important questions:
1. When did your symptoms begin?
Talk to people from your past. Ask your parents if they recall any ADD traits. Look at old report cards (COMMENTS are just, as if not more important than grades when looking at a report card), if possible visit past teachers.
2. ADD runs in the family-
Think about your family members. Do any of them display the same traits/symptoms that could be classified as ADD(even though it might be undiagnosed)?
3. Do you have any physical problems that run in your family?
(example thyroid disorder, allergies, vitamin deficincies, other)
4. Does mental illness run in your family?
(example depression/anxiety, bipolar disorder, other)
5.What are your symptoms? How are they impacting your life?

P.S. -
It is VERY important to remember that although ADD can still be diagnosed in adulthood it is present in childhood. The diagnostic criteria mentions some symptoms must have been present before age 7. Question 1 is very important.